How we're changing our investment policy

Sunset at Formby beach

The impacts of climate change pose the biggest long-term threat to the places we care for. We take our responsibilities towards the environment very seriously and are committed to playing our part in helping the UK achieve net zero emissions.

We will do everything we can to protect the natural environment and we’re changing our investment policy to support this.

Returns from our investments are vital for helping us protect and care for special places across the nation. They enable us to look after the natural environment and keep our membership fees affordable.

As part of our commitment to our conservation aims, we’re stopping investment in fossil fuel companies within three years. Our current investment policy requires that no investment is made directly in companies which derive more than 10 per cent of their turnover from the extraction of thermal coal or oil from oil sands. Under the new policy there will be no investment in such companies.

" We know our members and supporters are eager to see us do everything we can to protect and nurture the natural environment for future generations. This change is part of our ongoing commitment."
- Hilary McGrady, National Trust Director-General

The new measures include:

  • Divesting from all fossil fuel companies within the next three years.  
  • Establishing a long-term goal to continue the reduction of the carbon footprint of the investment portfolio.
  • Increasing engagement with companies currently invested in, to continue to make material improvements in their environmental performance.
  • Actively seeking out opportunities to support green start-up businesses.
National Trust Director-General Hilary McGrady at Sutton House, Hackney, London

Hilary's views on no fossil fuel investments 

Hilary McGrady, National Trust Director-General, tell us more about the Trust's decision to stop investment in fossil fuel companies in her Director's blog.

Read Hilary's blog

Learn about our green energy projects

Croft Castle's sustainable woodland provides heat for most of the buildings on the Herefordshire estate

Join us for a green day out 

We're using both traditional methods and modern engineering to reduce the impact we have on the environment. Find out how we're setting up renewable energy systems while preserving precious landscapes.

Solar panel installation at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire

Energy projects 

We want to protect the environment by becoming more energy efficient. In the last four years we’ve created our own green heat and power through the design and build of over 40 heat pumps, hydro schemes, solar PV and wood fuel boilers.